172 Quadrupeds. 



THE LLAMA, OK CAMEL OF AMERICA, 



(AucJienia glama,} 



Is a mild, timorous creature, not above four feet and a 

 half in height, and usually of a brown colour. It bears 

 in form a general resemblance to the Camel ; but, instead 

 of a protuberance on the back, it has one on the breast. 

 Llamas are used as beasts of burden by the South Ame- 

 ricans, and are so capriciously vindictive, that, if their 

 drivers strike them, they immediately squat down, and 

 nothing but caresses can induce them to rise again. 

 They have been known to kill themselves by striking 

 their heads against the ground in their rage, when by 

 blows they have been urged forward against their will. 

 They express their anger by spitting at their adversary. 

 The Alpacas are much smaller than the Llamas, and of 

 different colours in a domestic state. They are used for 

 the same purposes, and differ little in habits and nature. 

 The wool of both these animals is made use of for several 

 purposes, and is a principal ingredient in the compo- 

 sition of hats in several parts of the new and old con- 

 tinent ; and the flesh of the young Llamas is, in their 

 native country, considered a great delicacy, and is as 

 good as that of the fat sheep of Castile. In Peru, where 

 the animals are found, there are public shambles for the 

 sale of their flesh. 



